ABSTRACT
In C1–C2 posterior fixation, the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle/translaminar screw insertion under spine navigation have been used frequently. To avoid the risk of neurovascular damage in atlantoaxial stabilization, we assessed the safety and effectiveness of a preoperative computed tomography (CT) image-based navigation system with intraoperative independent C1 and C2 vertebral registration. It is ideal when a reference frame can be linked directly to the C1 posterior arch for C1-direct-captured navigation, but there is a mechanical challenge. A new spine clamp-tracker system was implemented recently, which allows reliable C1- and C2- direct-captured navigation in nine patients with traumatic C2 fractures. In this way, there was no misalignment of C1–C2 screws. C1 lateral mass screws were used except for one case, and translaminar screws were primarily used as an anchor for C2. The C1 lateral mass screw locations, which are 19 mm laterally from the C1 posterior arch’s center, are taken to be constant. However, there is one unusual circumstance in which using a C1 laminar hook instead of a C1 lateral mass screw appears to be a beneficial substitute. The increase of surgical accuracy for posterior C1–C2 screw fixation without cost constraints is significantly facilitated by intraoperative C1- and C2-direct-captured navigation with preoperative computed CT images.
ABSTRACT
Objective@# To examine the efficacy and safety of an innovative, device-driven abdominal trunk muscle strengthening program, with the ability to measure muscle strength, to treat chronic low back pain (LBP) in elderly participants. @*Methods@# Seven women with non-specific chronic LBP, lasting at least 3 months, were enrolled and treated with the prescribed exercise regimen. Patients participated in a 12-week device-driven exercise program which included abdominal trunk muscle strengthening and 4 types of stretches for the trunk and lower extremities. Primary outcomes were adverse events associated with the exercise program, improvement in abdominal trunk muscle strength, as measured by the device, and improvement in the numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of LBP with the exercise. Secondary outcomes were improvement in the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) score and the results of the locomotive syndrome risk test, including the stand-up and two-step tests. @*Results@# There were no reports of increased back pain or new-onset abdominal pain or discomfort during or after the device-driven exercise program. The mean abdominal trunk muscle strength, NRS, RDQ scores, and the stand-up and two-step test scores were significantly improved at the end of the trial compared to baseline. @*Conclusion@# No participants experienced adverse events during the 12-week strengthening program, which involved the use of our device and stretching, indicating the program was safe. Further, the program significantly improved various measures of LBP and physical function in elderly participants.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although radiation therapy (RT) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) are the global standards for adjuvant therapy treatment in cervical cancer, many Japanese institutions choose chemotherapy (CT) because of the low frequency of irreversible adverse events. In this study, we aimed to clarify the trends of adjuvant therapy for intermediate/high-risk cervical cancer after radical surgery in Japan. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted by the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group to 186 authorized institutions active in the treatment of gynecologic cancer. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 129 facilities. Adjuvant RT/CCRT and intensity-modulated RT were performed in 98 (76%) and 23 (18%) institutions, respectively. On the other hand, CT was chosen as an alternative in 93 institutions (72%). The most common regimen of CT, which was used in 66 institutions (51%), was a combination of cisplatin/carboplatin with paclitaxel. CT was considered an appropriate alternative option to RT/CCRT in patients with risk factors such as bulky tumors, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, parametrial invasion, and stromal invasion. The risk of severe adverse events was considered to be lower for CT than for RT/CCRT in 109 institutions (84%). CONCLUSION: This survey revealed a variety of policies regarding adjuvant therapy among institutions. A clinical study to assess the efficacy or non-inferiority of adjuvant CT is warranted.